US waives sanctions on Iran broadcaster

The Obama administration is temporarily waiving sanctions on Iran's state broadcaster, a senior Obama administration official said late Thursday. The move could be seen as a confidence-building measure as the US, Iran and five other world powers prepare to open talks

this month on a final agreement on Iran's disputed nuclear program.

The official said the move comes after the US determined that "harmful satellite interference" was not currently emanating from Iran. The US levied sanctions on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting last year, charging that the state-run broadcaster was blocking foreign channels that the government found objectionable and citing human rights groups who say the broadcaster distorted and falsified reports. (AP)